Casualties unknown

1992-09-30: Cessna 310D (N6755T) — Rebuilt Aircraft & Salvage — Minden, NV

Minden, NV, US

On September 30, 1992, a Cessna 310D (registration N6755T) operated by Rebuilt Aircraft & Salvage was involved in an aviation accident near Minden, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of power in both engines was caused by dirty and partially plugged fuel control servos and main fuel system screens, as well as a seized distributor valve piston in the left engine containing debris from the fuel tank bladder. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot was forced to perform an emergency off-airport landing after both engines lost power during the approach to runway 34.

What happened

The aircraft had not been flown or the engines run for twelve years prior to the accident. Before departing on the flight, the pilot and an A&P mechanic performed an inspection of the aircraft.

Shortly after takeoff, the right engine failed and the left engine began running roughly. The pilot successfully restarted the right engine and maintained the operation of the left engine by adjusting the mixture. While flying on the downwind leg for runway 16 at the destination airport, the right engine began to lose power. Consequently, the pilot decided to land downwind on runway 34.

During the final approach to runway 34, the pilot observed another aircraft landing in the opposite direction. At that moment, both engines began to lose power, prompting the pilot to execute an off-airport landing. The aircraft landed in an open field covered in scrub brush. During the landing roll, the aircraft crossed a road and collided with a road marker. There were no injuries reported.

The investigation

An examination of both engines revealed that the fuel control servo and the main fuel system screens for both engines were dirty and partially plugged. Additionally, the distributor valve piston of the left engine was seized and contained remnants of the fuel tank bladder.

Probable cause

The loss of power in both engines was caused by dirty and partially plugged fuel control servos and main fuel system screens, as well as a seized distributor valve piston in the left engine containing debris from the fuel tank bladder.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15741. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.